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Tuesday, 15 September 2015

Former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik Should Be Given Second Chance at Public Service,

Source:
A Just Cause

September 15, 2015 06:22 ET

Former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik Should Be
Given Second Chance at Public Service, Says Advocacy Group, A Just Cause

A Just Cause Asks President Obama to Pardon Bernard Kerik and Consider Appointment as Next BOP Director

DENVER, CO--(Marketwired - September 15, 2015) - In
a September 2015 letter to President Obama, Advocacy Organization, A
Just Cause, makes their case as to why they believe Former NYPD
Commissioner Bernard (Bernie) Kerik, who received a felony conviction,
should be the next Director of the Bureau of Prisons. In 2010, Mr. Kerik
was convicted and sentenced to 4 years in prison primarily related to
false statements and tax charges surrounding payments to his children's
nanny. Federal law currently prohibits convicted felons from ever voting
or holding public office. Kerik was recently interviewed on A Just
Cause's radio program.

Lamont
Banks, Executive Director of A Just Cause in the letter to Obama,
writes: "It is an immutable fact, that men since the beginning of time,
have made poor choices and exercised poor judgment in their
decision-making, whether from a lack of experience or struggles with a
particular vice. Because these experiences are common to all men, we as a
society have generally embraced forgiveness, second chances and the
opportunity for redemption. However, in America, when men make choices
that result in them being found guilty of a felony or suffer a wrongful
conviction, our society as a whole is unforgiving and unwilling to give a
second chance."

In the
letter Banks also references an August 28, 2015 New York Times article,
"U.S. Judges Questioning Harsh Justice in A New Era", where federal
judges are now taking a fresh look at convictions that may be holding
reformed people back. The Times reports that federal Judge John Gleeson
of the U.S. District Court in Brooklyn said: "As a society we really
need to have a serious discussion on this subject of people with
convictions never being able to work again...The public safety is better
served when people are able to participate as productive members of
society by working and paying taxes."

"I
explained to President Obama that Bernard Kerik has over 30 years of
stellar public service in national security, law enforcement and
corrections, including the U.S. Army, NYPD Police Commissioner and the
Commissioner of the New York City Department of Corrections where he
oversaw the entire New York City jail system, including Rikers Island,"
says Banks. "It is well-documented that under Kerik's watch, the jail
system achieved historic reductions in inmate-on-inmate violence, and
earned international recognition from violence reduction, efficiency,
accountability and correctional excellence," adds Banks. "Combine
Kerik's unparalleled law enforcement record with his experience as an
inmate, and you have someone who has a 360 degree view of America's
prison system, both as a correction's chief and an inmate," says Banks.
"You couldn't find a more uniquely qualified candidate for that role,
especially since he is a staunch advocate for criminal justice and
prison reform, both of which are key goals for President Obama and
Congress," exclaims Banks.

In
an article written by Kerik, titled: "Prison Is Like Dying With Your
Eyes Open", he says, "I believe in law and order and I believe in the
need to keep society safe from predators, murderers, rapists, child
molesters, and those involved and engaged in violent crime. But, when
American jails and prisons around the country are primarily filled with
non-violent and many first-time offenders, it's time for change."

"Bernie
Kerik has a lot to offer this country and his felony conviction
shouldn't deny him an opportunity to contribute to the safety of this
nation," says Banks. "President Obama said in his speech to the NAACP
this year that justice and redemption go hand in hand and I hope that he
will give Bernie a second chance," adds Banks.

"A
Just Cause will continue to fight for changes to laws in this country
that perpetually punish our citizens who made poor choices or mistakes
by imposing life-time bans on their constitutional rights and limit
their opportunities to become productive members of society," concludes
Banks.

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DARCY D= YOU MUST BELIEVE.STANDING UP FOR THE INNOCENT C.E.O
The United Kingdom resident champions causes of the voiceless, the powerless and the weak, particularly in North America. She campaigns for petitions on behalf of incarcerated human trafficking.